The new Bishop of Dover took time out to speak to shoppers when he visited the Sainsbury’s store in Sittingbourne.

Around 40 people pulled up a pew in the supermarket cafe to speak to the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott about a range of issues ranging from the role of religion in society to future plans for local churches and church schools.

The purpose of the visit was meet the public and find out about the area.

Mr Willmott also shared his faith with one lady who is due to be confirmed later this year and explained how he was handed the 'gift of faith’ by a friend when he was a teenager.

Church volunteers were also thanked for their work in their local churches.

Mr Willmott said: “It was wonderful to meet local people and hear what life is like in this community.

"I heard many encouraging stories of ways local churches are engaging with the community and I look forward to supporting this work and the people of Sittingbourne in forthcoming months.”

Over the next two months Mr Willmott, who has delegated responsibility from the Archbishop of Canterbury for the oversight of the Diocese of Canterbury, will visit all 16 deaneries which stretch from Maidstone to the East Coast.